There is nothing usual about the vocal powerings of Zelma Stone’s front woman, Chloe Zelma Studebaker. How do we mean that? There are the self-proclaimed modern influences of Angel Olson (we hear that), the haunting calls like Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick, some Kate Bush feels. This stuff is hard to find and there’s a blooming of those same types of lyrical and vocal strengths within this work, repackaged into a more modern type of dreamy folk with some touch-of-grunge rock. Tracks like “Light Bulb Boy” and “River” have surprising key-shifts, killer baselines, sexy drums and a smack of tamborine. Challenging, fierce and empowering. Let’s go see them tomorrow night, where Richshaw Stop hosts their album release party. January the 19th with an all female-fronted bill of Mayya & The Revolutionary Hell Yeah, Moon Daze and Mae Powell. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

We are pleased to debut the new single “Bang Bang” from Schlotman, off their upcoming album Animal Glamour (another success brought to you by Tiny Telephone Studios). Pair this bad boy with their other single, “7-11 Jesus,” and we’re pretty confident that 2019’s album will be on par with 2018’s Future and ‘17’s On a Rope. More like on a roll. Lucas Nevrla’s vocals are lovely as ever (somewhere between Jeff Buckley and Julian Casablancas) and though this track has a sadder feel than a lot of their other songs, we’re kept from crying by those winding melodic riffs, the warm reverberating hum, a taste of grunge and just a little psychedelic guitar. Lines like, “Baby blue, all I want is someone to do bad things to” get stuck in your head as much as the melodies. Tasteful mixing and mastering by Brandon Eggleston and Chris Hanzsek, respectively. We can’t wait to see them live, February 12th at The Gilman and stay tuned for that January 29th full album release. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Released just last month, Kat Robichaud’s latest single “Criminal” is a haunting, strong peek at her anticipated next album. The opening chords feel like the opening to a rock opera--and with her theatrical outfits, wigs and a long-time history of orchestrating and performing cabaret, we’re not surprised. It takes a certain type of creative to channel all the different energies that Robichaud musters here. Her last album, Misfit Cabaret, was like listening to a one-woman circus act that keeps your imagination open and whirling, empowered and invigorated. Not that we’re telling you how to feel about it. Listen yourself. Shout out to track “Bully” from Robichaud’s previous album, where the sheer power in her vocals is shiver-inducing. Think Heart meets a not-so-poppy Katy Perry, with some Rocky Horror and Bowie inspirations gyrating throughout. Check out the captivating video for her single Criminal, shot and edited by Daniel Garcia, and if THAT weren’t enough, go see her next cabaret show, “Lost in Z Space” at San Francisco’s Z Space. These music-filled shows start February 7th and run through the 16th. - Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

The Deli Magazine was born in NYC's Attorney Street in 2004, in the shape of a print issue with a then unknown band on its cover, called Grizzly Bear. Ths NYC blog came in 2005, then the SF one in 2006, and then 9 more in the following years. The Deli is focused on the coverage of emerging bands and solo artists with a 100% local focus - no exceptions!